Are you embarking on a new journey by becoming a freelance writer? Maybe you took a career break to try a new lucrative business. Maybe you want more flexibility and control over your clients. In any case, being a freelance writer is an ideal job. Moreover, if you do it right, you can earn six figures from the comfort of your home. You can build an empire by writing for clients or creating a blog on your terms. However, it does require consistency, hard work, dedication, and, most importantly, patience. If you are up for the challenge, here are a few things you need to remember:
Start a blog
A blog is one of the best ways to start your freelance career. It is non-negotiable and will help you earn more. Firstly, it works as a portfolio for you. Second, you can earn money through it by:
Monetizing the blog for sponsorships, ads, affiliate marketing, and more
Considering your writing prowess, it works as a sample for clients who will hire you.
It allows you to practice your writing. It can be a game-changer, helping you write better.
Starting a blog is simple. You can use WordPress or other platforms to start a blog for free. But do pay for web hosting, as it is cheaper and better.
Identify your niche.
There are so many types of writing you can do. There is blog writing, web content, copywriting, ghostwriting, and more. You should figure out what your niche is and start from there. You will find tons of jobs in your niche on Upwork and other freelancing sites in 2023. Also, start writing blogs in your niche only. That helps you develop a portfolio for yourself and attract clients.
Time management is important.
An important aspect of freelancing is managing time and staying organized. Freelancers work with multiple clients and projects simultaneously. To ensure you complete the work on schedule, staying organized is necessary. So, maintain a sheet with all the clients and projects you have. You can charge by word, giving you control of your hours. If you want to work in the morning, set the deadline accordingly, and if you want to work at night, set the time that way. But ensure you also leave time for admin work. It includes finding clients, meeting perspectives, and more. One tip in this area is to get personalized business cards. Whether you meet people virtually or at seminars or job fairs, it can be instrumental in getting you your next client.
Network
Build your network to find better opportunities. If people know you and you work with them, you get more work. Join freelance networking groups, attend seminars, and get help from previous clients or mentors. Lastly, when you get referrals from people, help them too. Give their recommendations whenever you can or refer a client when you are at full capacity.
Send cold emails.
You can use freelancing sites or get work through referrals. But it is also true that clients come and go. So, you must always be on your toes to find new clients. You must also have a pitch ready, but always customize it for the client. And use this pitch for sending cold emails. There must be websites or companies you want to work with. Send them cold emails even if they are not currently hiring. For pitching correctly, look through their website. See how they write and what they expect. You will get a reply soon if you keep sending quality cold emails.
Learn to negotiate your rates.
Being a freelance writer means you are the owner. So, you need to charge for your services, which is best for you and your client. Several things can determine the price. For instance, you will be charging different prices to different people. Also, if you are a newcomer, you might start at a lower price. Gradually, you can increase it as you get confident in your work. You may charge more for a professional writer to become a freelance writer. Check with other people in the business to see what they are charging.
Remember, freelancing is a lucrative career. If you are into writing, you can start in this field. Gradually upgrade your skills by learning more about writing. It helps you get more clients and generate more income. The above tips are your guide to starting your freelance writer journey today.